Making resolutions for change at the beginning of a new year is a common practice. According to statistic brain the top ten New Year’s resolutions for 2015 were:

• Lose weight
• Get organized
• Spend less and save more
• Enjoy life to the fullest
• Stay fit and healthy
• Learn something exciting
• Quit smoking
• Help others in their dreams
• Fall in love
• Spend more time with family

Did you decide to make some New Year’s resolutions? Identify a few specific goals and begin to develop actions steps to accomplish those goals.

 In an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled The Best Way to Keep a New Year’s Resolution, by Heidi Mitchell, Dr. Frank Farley of Temple University suggests that the biggest reason people fail to succeed is because they set goals that are too high or impossible to achieve in a given year. His recommended strategies for success include making resolutions specific and time-stamped, keeping the number of goals small, writing a list of beneficial behaviors to help get one where they want to go, checking the list often and rewarding yourself for baby steps along the way.

My professional and personal experience has shown me that people know what changes they need to make in order to improve their lifestyle and health. The keys to success must include a clear plan with measurable specific action steps, along with the support they need to assist them in accomplishing their goals. I would agree that not all behaviors needing change are created equal and a plan with the goal of quitting smoking would look much different than a plan with the goal of needing to lose thirty pounds. I learned through my coach training experience that clients truly are naturally creative, resourceful and whole!

Those who want to make changes that will lead to lasting lifestyle improvement, will have more success if they intentionally develop a clear plan and gather friends, family or a coach who can be there to advocate and support them on their path to achieving their goals.